Ms Cross said she realised early in life that she wanted to make a difference; studying social work and seeing the best and the worst of human kind.

“I chose to get involved and wanted to work with meaning and purpose. I also wanted to make an impact,” she said.
Ms Cross also won her category, Community and Government.

The Telstra Business Woman of the Year Award recognises Ms Cross’s achievements in leading the largest not-for-profit health and community services organisation in Queensland, UnitingCare Queensland. The organisation supports thousands of people across the state and in the Northern Territory, every day.

“It is a privilege to be able to lead an organisation of great complexity that aligns with my personal values and aspirations for our communities,” Ms Cross said.

“I am so humbled and overwhelmed to be named the overall national winner at this prestigious event amongst such an impressive group of inspirational women.

Ms Cross concluded her acceptance with a message to young women.

“Get involved, be driven by what you care about, and seek coherence between your personal and professional self,” she said.

“It’s okay to be uncertain, but chase brilliance regardless.”

Ms Cross was engaged as UnitingCare Queensland’s CEO in 2003 to undertake the consolidation of the Uniting Church’s health and community service operations in Queensland into one organisation. 

This involved the merger of a diverse group of aged care, community services, and hospitals under the stewardship of UnitingCare Queensland, and developing a clear strategy for the future.

Today Ms Cross has responsibility for a mature, focused and integrated organisation, with more than 15,000 staff and 9000 volunteers, providing services in more than 400 locations throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory.


UnitingCare Queensland provides health and community services through its service network – UnitingCare Community (includes the crisis support provided by Lifeline), UnitingCare Health, Blue Care and ARRCS (Australian Regional and Remote Community Services).

For more information about the 2014 Telstra Business Women’s Awards please visit http://www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com.